High Constellation Wind Farm Connection

We have today published a new economic report setting out the significant economic benefits associated with our planned £29bn investment in new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland.

The report, titled ‘Re‑energising the North: Transforming Scotland’, provides an update on our previously outlined economic analysis on plans to invest billions in mission-critical grid infrastructure, providing further insight into the scale of economic opportunity associated with the investment programme.

The report reaffirms our programme as one of the largest private infrastructure investments in Scotland’s history, with around £29bn of planned investment across the north of Scotland in the next five years, and it details the extent of the economic opportunity across the region.

Using advanced economic modelling to analyse the impact of clean power infrastructure investment, the report’s findings conclude that our investment: 

• Will support up to 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland, and 24,000 across Scotland; 
• When added to investment by other transmission operators and investment in generation will add around £60bn to UK economic output - with the Scottish economy up to 3% larger over the long term; 
• Will deliver long-term improvements in productivity, wages and economic resilience, with employees moving into higher-value roles and key sectors expanding permanently; and 
• Will create unique opportunities for Scottish suppliers, businesses and communities across multiple sectors, including forestry, peatland restoration, aggregates and concrete too. 

The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that the benefits of investment are felt locally, with thousands of skilled jobs, increased supply chain activity, and investment flowing into communities across the north of Scotland.

Read the full News and Views article to find out more.

We have notified Argyll and Bute Council, in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (GPDO), of our intention to install a 3.9km single-circuit 132kV underground cable connecting Crossaig South Substation to the proposed High Constellation Wind Farm substation.

The GPDO sets out the rights of statutory undertakers, such as SSEN Transmission, to carry out certain types of development without submitting a formal planning application. Under these provisions, this is referred to as deemed planning permission, subject to the relevant conditions and requirements of the Order.

You can view the notification and all associated documents on the council’s planning portal using the following application reference: 26/00939/PNELEC.

We have also undertaken a Voluntary Environmental Appraisal for the project. This, along with the associated route maps, is available in the project documents section of this webpage.

If the project proceeds, the appointed contractor will be required to prepare and implement management plans covering environmental protection, soils, protected species and construction traffic. These will be developed in line with project commitments, statutory requirements and recognised best practice.

Access for the proposed development is anticipated to be taken from the A83, with use of existing tracks wherever possible. Upgrades to these tracks would be undertaken where required.

At this stage, the programme remains indicative, with works now currently expected to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in early 2029.

We will continue to keep stakeholders updated as the project progresses.

Plans are progressing for the High Constellation wind farm connection project which aims to link the consented 50MW wind farm to the Transmission network at Crossaig substation via a 132kV underground cable route.  

Ground Investigation works commenced in September 2025, and construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with completion expected before the end of 2027. Final details of the cable route will follow as alignment and wayleave agreements are confirmed.  The works required will largely be undertaken in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (GPDO) which sets out our rights to undertake development without submitting a formal application for Planning Permission. The GPDO grants what is referred to as “Deemed Planning Permission” subject to the provisions and conditions of the Order.  

Proactive engagement with all community members and interested parties remains a priority, and we will provide regular updates as the project continues to progress.  

Please contact our Community Liaison Manager if you have any questions on either martha.e.smart@sse.com or 07880998846 for more information.  

We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located. 

This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.

Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.